Bell 206L-3 N955GT accident near Canal Point, Florida

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the ground while maneuvering at a low altitude. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s fatigue.

NTSB analysis

The purpose of the night helicopter flight was to fly over bean fields to prevent crops from freezing. The pilot was maneuvering the helicopter over the bean field at a low altitude when he observed power lines at the end of the field. He crossed over the power lines and the helicopter subsequently descended to the ground for unknown reasons. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He additionally reported that his own fatigue may have contributed to the accident. The pilot had been awake for 18 hours and 30 minutes and had slept 2 hours prior to the accident. He further stated he had slept 5 hours 30 minutes in the last 24 hours and 14 hours in the last 72 hours.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA11CA082 for the full record.